Algae - Plants Slideshow

All algae were once classified as plants because they had chloroplasts and conducted photosynthesis. As botanists studied single and colonial algae more, they realized that not all of them belonged in the plant kingdom. After a major shakeup, green algae were the only ones left in the plant group. The others were moved over to the protist kingdom.

The green algae divisions Chlorophyta and Charophyta are thought to be the original plants. The first true plants such as mosses and liverworts developed from those early green algae species. You can find algae in both fresh and saltwater environments. Classification of algae is very difficult because there is such a great variety in species. Just remember that some are classified as protists.

** Andrew Rader Studios does not monitor or review the content available at external web sites. They are paid advertisements and neither partners nor recommended web sites. Specific links for books on Amazon.com are only suggested starting points for further research. Please browse, research options, and choose the appropriate materials for your needs.